Difluprednate (Durezol) is an ophthalmic steroid emulsion. It is FDA-approved for the treatment for postoperative ocular pain and inflammation and endogenous anterior uveitis. Difluprednate rapidly penetrates the cornea, resulting in a quick decrease in anterior chamber cell count and resolution of flare. In clinical trials, difluprednate showed a rapid resolution of ocular inflammation versus placebo with few treatment related adverse events. The safety and efficacy of difluprednate dosed four times a day was comparable to betamethasone ophthalmic solution 0.1% in post-operative and uveitis studies. Durezol was approved by the FDA in June 2008.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
NOTE: Care should be taken not to discontinue therapy prematurely. If ocular signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated. Intraocular pressure should be monitored after 10 days of therapy, and an ophthalmologic exam should occur after 14 days of therapy.
Route-Specific Administration
Ophthalmic Administration
-Difluprednate is administered topically to the eye. Shake well before use.
-Do not to touch the tip of the dropper to the eye, fingertips, or other surface.
-Instruct patient on proper instillation of eye solution.
-When using difluprednate, the patient should not wear contact lenses.
Ocular adverse reactions occurring in 5-15% of patients treated with difluprednate in clinical trials included: anterior chamber cells, blepharitis, conjunctival edema, ocular pain, and posterior capsule opacification. Anterior chamber flare, corneal edema, and photophobia were reported at an incidence of 2-15%. Blurred vision was reported in clinical trials of difluprednate for uveitis at an incidence of 5-10%. Hyperemia, including ciliary and conjunctival hyperemia (5-15%), limbal hyperemia (2-5%), and scleral hyperemia (< 1%), has been reported in clinical trials. Other ocular adverse reactions reported during clinical trials of difluprednate include: iritis (1-10%), ocular irritation (e.g., application site discomfort and eyelid irritation and crusting) (< 1-10%), uveitis (< 1-10%), xerophthalmia (2-5%), iridocyclitis (2-5%), visual impairment (reduced visual acuity) (1-5%), and ocular inflammation (1-5%). Adverse effects reported at an incidence of < 1% include: corneal pigmentation and striae (< 1%), ocular pruritus (< 1%), episcleritis (< 1%), foreign body sensation (< 1%), increased lacrimation (< 1%), and macular edema (< 1%).
In general, prolonged ophthalmic steroid use may result in increased intraocular pressure (ocular hypertension) with the potential to worsen glaucoma. In clinical trials of difluprednate for post-operative pain and inflammation, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) for all study groups remained within the normal range throughout the trial; however, three subjects (3%) receiving difluprednate twice daily, three subjects receiving difluprednate four times daily, and two subjects (1%) receiving placebo experienced a clinically significant rise in IOP; in the study, IOP was defined as an increase > 10 mm Hg from baseline combined with a peak pressure of > 21 mm Hg at any time point during the study period. In clinical trials of difluprednate for uveitis, increased intraocular pressure was reported at an incidence of 5-10%. Increased intraocular pressure due to corticosteroid use may be associated with optic nerve damage (infrequent) or visual impairment including defects in visual acuity and visual fields. In patients with corneal or scleral thinning, administration of topical ophthalmic corticosteroids has caused globe perforation. Increased ocular pressure can occur in normal and glaucomatous eyes and usually develops 2-8 weeks after initiating ophthalmic steroids. Ocular hypertension is generally reversible 1-3 weeks after steroid discontinuation; however, persistent pressure elevation with glaucoma and vision loss has occurred. Intraocular pressure elevations are usually greater in eyes with open-angle glaucoma. Intraocular pressure should be monitored if difluprednate is used for longer than 10 days.
Long-term ocular administration of corticosteroids over several years has been associated with the formation of posterior subcapsular cataracts. Patients should be monitored for the development of lens opacities during prolonged corticosteroid use, like difluprednate.
The use of ophthalmic steroids, like difluprednate, may result in delayed or impaired wound healing of the eye or cornea following injury or surgery, or mask the signs of ocular infection. Secondary infection of the eye or superinfection may occur from pathogens including viruses such as herpes simplex, fungi, and bacteria. Fungal infections of the cornea may develop during long-term corticosteroid therapy. Fungal invasion should be evaluated in any persistent corneal ulceration where corticosteroid treatment has been used. Fungal cultures may be needed.
Punctate keratitis was reported at an incidence of 1-10% in clinical trials of difluprednate. There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface. Contamination of ophthalmic preparations, like in difluprednate, can lead to severe ocular damage and possible blindness.
Difluprednate is contraindicated in individuals with glycerin hypersensitivity, hypersensitivity to difluprednate, corticosteroid hypersensitivity, polysorbate 80 hypersensitivity, or any of the other product ingredients (boric acid, castor oil, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sodium EDTA, sodium hydroxide).
The use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and exacerbate the severity of ocular infections. Ophthalmic steroid use may result in delayed or impaired wound healing of the eye or cornea, or mask the signs of ocular infection. Difluprednate, as with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, is contraindicated in most cases of viral infection of the cornea and conjunctiva, such as herpes simplex virus epithelial keratitis, vaccinia, and varicella. Difluprednate is also contraindicated in any mycobacterial infection of the eye or fungal infection of ocular structures. Fungal infections of the cornea may develop with long-term ocular application of steroids. Fungal invasion should be evaluated in any persistent corneal ulceration where corticosteroid treatment has been used. Fungal cultures should be taken when appropriate. Corticosteroid therapy can also exacerbate purulent bacterial infections of the eye.
Increased intraocular pressure (intraocular hypertension) is most likely to occur in patients receiving prolonged ophthalmic corticosteroids and in patients with glaucoma. Intraocular pressure elevations are usually greater in eyes with open-angle glaucoma. If difluprednate is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored.
Long-term ocular administration of corticosteroids, like difluprednate, for several years has been associated with the formation of posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataracts. Patients with diabetes mellitus appear to be more susceptible to developing PSC cataracts during ocular steroid use. Patients should be monitored for the development of lens opacities during long-term corticosteroid therapy.
In patients with corneal or scleral thinning, administration of topical ophthalmic corticosteroids has caused perforations. Difluprednate should be used with caution in patients with a corneal abrasion.
Patients who wear contact lenses should be aware that Durezol (difluprednate) contains the preservative sorbic acid. As with all ophthalmic preparations containing a preservative, patients should be advised not to wear contact lenses when using Durezol.
Difluprednate is classified as pregnancy category C. Animal studies using subcutaneous doses produced teratogenic and embryotoxic effects. Other corticosteroids have been shown to cause fetal resorptions and malformations. The systemic absorption of difluprednate following ophthalmic administration is minimal; however, according to the manufacturer, because there have been no adequate studies conducted into the safe use of difluprednate in pregnant women, it should only be used when the potential benefits to the mother outweigh possible risks to the fetus.
Difluprednate has not been studied during breast feeding. While the American Academy of Pediatrics does not comment on the use of ophthalmic difluprednate during breast-feeding, it does consider some systemic corticosteroids (prednisone and prednisolone) to be usually compatible with breast-feeding. It is not known whether ophthalmic difluprednate results in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk; but pharmacokinetic studies indicate that systemic absorption after ophthalmic administration of difluprednate is limited and therefore unlikely that a significant amount of drug would be excreted into breast-milk. To further minimize the amount of drug that reaches the systemic circulation and breast milk, apply pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute after ophthalmic administration. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally ingested drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.
For the treatment of postoperative ocular pain and postoperative ocular inflammation:
Ophthalmic dosage:
Adults: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 4 times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery; continue giving 4 times/day for the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period, then administer 2 times daily for 1 week. At the end of the third week, taper dose based on response.
Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 4 times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery; continue giving 4 times/day for the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period, then administer 2 times daily for 1 week. At the end of the third week, taper dose based on response. In a double-blind trial in pediatric patients (aged 0 to 3 years) who underwent cataract surgery, a similar safety profile was observed in patients who received difluprednate 0.05% (n = 39) compared to those who received prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension 1% (n = 40).
For the treatment of endogenous anterior uveitis:
Ophthalmic dosage:
Adults: Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) 4 times daily for 14 days followed by tapering as clinically indicated.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
-Adults
4 drops/day in each affected eye.
-Geriatric
4 drops/day in each affected eye.
-Adolescents
4 drops/day in each affected eye.
-Children
4 drops/day in each affected eye.
-Infants
4 drops/day in each affected eye.
-Neonates
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
No dosage guidelines are available; it appears no dosage adjustment is needed.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
No dosage guidelines are available; it appears no dosage adjustment is needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
There are no drug interactions associated with Difluprednate products.
Corticosteroids inhibit the inflammatory response to a variety of inciting agents and probably delay or slow healing. They inhibit the edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation. There is no generally accepted explanation for the exact mechanism of action for ocular corticosteroids. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. Lipocortins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of the precursor molecule arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2.
Corticosteroids can increase intraocular pressure. The mechanism by which ophthalmic corticosteroids increase intraocular pressure is not clear. Corticosteroids are associated with the presence of extracellular glycosaminoglycans in ocular trabecular cells, which have been hypothesized to increase the resistance of aqueous outflow.
Pharmacokinetics:
Difluprednate is administered topically to the eye. Difluprednate undergoes deacetylation in vivo to the active metabolite 6 alpha, 9-difluoroprednisolone 17-butyrate (DFB).
-Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics
Topical Route
Limited systemic absorption of difluprednate occurs following daily administration. In clinical pharmacokinetic studies, DFB levels in blood were below the quantification limit (50 ng/mL) at all time points for all subjects after repeat ocular instillation of 2 drops of difluprednate (0.01% or 0.05%) four times daily for 7 days.